Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore has been provisionally suspended by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after testing positive for the banned substance furosemide. The suspension comes just days before Ogunsemilore’s scheduled opening bout at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to the ITA, Ogunsemilore’s sample was collected during an out-of-competition doping control on July 25, and the adverse analytical finding was reported by the WADA-accredited laboratory of Paris on July 27.
The substance, furosemide, is classified as a diuretic and masking agent under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.
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As a result of the suspension, Ogunsemilore is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity during the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The athlete has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport – Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD) and may also request the analysis of the B-sample.
Ogunsemilore was set to make her Olympic debut in the women’s 60kg category on Monday, but her suspension has thrown her participation into doubt. The Nigerian boxing team will now have to regroup and adjust to the loss of one of their athletes.
The ITA’s independent anti-doping program for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 aims to ensure a level playing field for all athletes, and this suspension demonstrates the agency’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the Games.
Nigeria’s athletes have experienced a mixed start to the Olympics, with early exits in table tennis and a disappointing loss for Quadri Aruna in the men’s singles event. However, the Super Falcons and other Team Nigeria athletes are set to compete in various events on July 28, offering hope for a turnaround in fortunes.
The suspension of Cynthia Ogunsemilore is a setback for Nigerian boxing, but the country’s athletes will continue to strive for excellence in their respective sports.
